My Lady Selene,



I apologise for the tardiness of this letter... I know that it has been over a week since you sent your last missive and I have failed in my propriety to return your sentiments with immediate effect...



Forgive me for the lack of skill in this letter. I remember once telling you that I am no skilled communicator with parchment and stylus and that my letters to you would have to be a practice to improve an amateur skill. Now... I find my lack of eloquence to be strangling my words and halting my hand. I have sat to write this letter several times and failed to come up with anything I think worthy of being sent. Yet, stubbornness is a Kotas trait and I feel determined enough to endeavour in sending you the missive your own efforts deserve. I can only apologise as to the ensuing effect...



This week has been difficult for my family. My brother and his wife have been full of hatred, as if possessed, determined to wound the other. It is this information that I have hesitated to write for fear of betrayal to my family but I have decided to listen to my instincts above my duty and trust that my words will not pass beyond our private communications.



I confess that... despite the risk of interception, I write these words because I cannot seem to make sense of them myself. I cannot in all honesty ever believe that I would eventually marry a woman whom I could show such anger and loathing for, no matter how many years had passed. I find myself then thinking of you, my Lady... of the mentions you have made in your previous letters about your own marriage. Of how you fear an imperfect match...



I cannot define that which such a thought makes me feel. I feel anger. Distaste. I feel a sense of injustice.



My apologies, Lady Selene. I fear this letter makes no sense. But, as it is the closest I have come to a complete missive so far - and I assure you there have been several failed attempts - I shall send it anyway and be reliant on your kindness and patience in trying to make sense of it.





With great fondness,



Vangelis of Kotas







On a separate note, my Lady... Your advice of sleeping with the tack has worked wonders and Phobos allows me to walk him around the Kotas grounds in full tack and saddle. I have yet to ride him but it shall be my next adventure, come the morning...